Proof of concept sol-gel process: ASOF deliverable D2.1

Work package 2 of the ASOF project groups together the activities related to research and development of conversion routes to produce target materials which contain (minor) actinide elements in a chemical and physical form suitable for transmutation. Microsphere production via the so-called internal gelation (IG) method (i.e. a sol-gel processes in which the conversion is achieved through heat-induced activation of a gel-forming agent) is being considered for a number of reasons: (1) To avoid handling of fine powders (dust formation), (2) to facilitate automation in dedicated environments (shielded glove boxes and hot cells), (3) its suitability to produce a product which contains a mixture of homogeneously dispersed actinide elements, (4) tailoring of microsphere size and porosity possible. It has been demonstrated in the past that U/Pu oxide (MOX) particles, as well as U/Pu nitride particles can be prepared via internal gelation. The present report describes the proof-of-concept studies in which uranium as matrix element, and lanthanides (Ce, Nd) as simulants for other actinide elements (Pu and Am, respectively) are being investigated.